pulse

pulse

2. the beat of the heart as felt through the walls of a peripheral artery, such as that felt in the radial artery at the wrist. Other sites for pulse measurement include the side of the neck (carotid artery), the antecubital fossa (brachial artery), the temple (temporal artery), the anterior side of the hip bone (femoral artery), the back of the knee (popliteal artery), and the instep (dorsalis pedis artery).

What is felt is not the blood pulsing through the arteries (as is commonly supposed) but a shock wave that travels along the walls of the arteries as the heart contracts. This shock wave is generated by the pounding of the blood as it is ejected from the heart under pressure. It is analogous to the hammering sound heard in steam pipes as the steam is forced into the pipes under pressure. A pulse in the veins is too weak to be felt, although sometimes it is measured by sphygmograph (see below); the tracing obtained is called a phlebogram.

The pulse is usually felt just inside the wrist below the thumb by placing two or three fingers lightly upon the radial artery. The examiner's thumb is never used to take a pulse because its own pulse is likely to be confused with that of the patient. Pressure should be light; if the artery is pressed too hard, the pulse will disappear entirely. The number of beats felt in exactly 1 minute is the pulse rate.

In taking a pulse, the rate, rhythm, and strength or amplitude of the pulse are noted. The average rate in an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The rhythm is checked for possible irregularities, which may be an indication of the general condition of the heart and the circulatory system.

The amplitude of a pulse can range from totally impalpable to bounding and full; however, such terms are vague and subject to misinterpretation. To provide a more standardized description of pulse amplitude some agencies and hospitals use a scale that provides a more objective evaluation and reporting of the force of a pulse. On such a scale zero would mean that the pulse cannot be felt; +1 would indicate a thready, weak pulse that is difficult to palpate, fades in and out, and is easily obliterated with slight pressure; +2 would be a pulse that requires light palpation but once located would be stronger than a +1; +3 would be considered normal; and a +4 pulse would be one that is strong, bounding, easily palpated, and perhaps hyperactive, and could indicate a pathological condition such as aortic regurgitation.

If a pulse is noted to be weaker during inhalation and stronger during exhalation (pulsus paradoxus), this could indicate either greater reduction in the flow of blood to the left ventricle than is normal, as in constrictive pericarditis or pericardial effusion, or a grossly exaggerated inspiratory maneuver, as in tracheal obstruction, asthma, or emphysema.

An instrument for registering the movements, form, and force of the arterial pulse is called a sphygmograph. The sphygmographic tracing (or pulse tracing) consists of a curve having a sudden rise (primary elevation) followed by a sudden fall, after which there is a gradual descent marked by a number of secondary elevations.

Pulses palpated during assessment of the arterial system.

abdominal pulse that over the abdominal aorta.

alternating pulse one with regular alteration of weak and strong beats without changes in cycle length. Called also pulsus alternans.

anacrotic pulse one in which the ascending limb of the tracing shows a transient drop in amplitude, or a notch.

anadicrotic pulse one in which the ascending limb of the tracing shows two extra small waves or notches.

anatricrotic pulse one in which the ascending limb of the tracing shows three extra small waves or notches.

apical pulse the pulse over the apex of the heart, as heard through a stethoscope or palpated.

atrial venous pulse (atriovenous pulse) a venous pulse in the neck that has an accentuated a wave during atrial systole, owing to increased force of contraction of the right atrium; a characteristic of tricuspid stenosis.

bigeminal pulse one in which two beats occur in rapid succession, the groups of two being separated by a longer interval, usually related to regularly occurring ventricular premature beats. Called also pulsus bigeminus.

carotid pulse the pulse felt over the carotid artery, which lies between the larynx and the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck; frequently used to assess effectiveness of cardiac massage during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It can be felt by pushing the muscle to the side and pressing against the larynx, or, if the patient is dyspneic, by palpating the pulse at the groove in the muscle.

catadicrotic pulse one in which the descending limb of the tracing shows two small notches.

catatricrotic pulse one in which the descending limb of the tracing shows three small additional waves or notches.

popliteal pulse one palpated in the popliteal fossa, most easily detected when the patient is lying prone with the knee flexed about 45 degrees.

posterior tibial pulse a pulse felt over the posterior tibial artery just posterior to the ankle bone on the inner aspect of the ankle.

quick pulse one that strikes the finger smartly and leaves it quickly; called also pulsus celer.

Quincke's pulse alternate blanching and flushing of the skin that may be elicited in several ways, such as by pressing on the end of the nail and observing the nail bed or skin at the root of the nail. It is caused by pulsation of subpapillary arteriolar and venous plexuses and is sometimes seen in aortic insufficiency, although it may occur in normal persons under certain conditions. Called also capillary pulse (because it was formerly thought to be due to pulsations in the capillaries) and Quincke's sign.

pulse

(pŭls),

Rhythmic dilation of an artery, produced by the increased volume of blood thrown into the vessel by the contraction of the heart. A pulse may also at times occur in a vein or a vascular organ, such as the liver.

Quincke's pulse alternate blanching and flushing of the nail bed due to pulsation of subpapillary arteriolar and venous plexuses; seen in aortic insufficiency and other conditions and occasionally in normal persons.

Riegel's pulse one that is smaller during respiration.

thready pulse one that is very fine and scarcely perceptible.

tricrotic pulse one in which the tracing shows three marked expansions in one beat of the artery.

trigeminal pulse one with a pause after every third beat.

vagus pulse a slow pulse.

venous pulse the pulsation over a vein, especially over the right jugular vein.

Normal jugular venous pulse: A, a positive wave due to contraction of the right atrium; C, a positive deflection due to bulging of the tricuspid valve toward the atria at the onset of ventricular contraction; X, a negative deflection due to atrial relaxation; V, a positive deflection due to filling of the right atrium against the closed tricuspid valve during ventricular contraction; Y, a negative deflection due to emptying of the right atrium upon ventricular relaxation.

pulse

The rhythmical throbbing of arteries produced by the regular contractions of the heart, especially as palpated at the wrist or in the neck.

v.pulsed, pulsing, pulses

v.intr.

Physics To undergo a series of intermittent occurrences characterized by brief, sudden changes in a quantity.

pulse

Etymology: L, pulsare, to beat

1 a rhythmic beating or vibrating movement.

2 a brief electromagnetic wave.

3 the regular, recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery, produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts. The pulse is easily detected on superficial arteries, such as the radial and carotid arteries, and corresponds to each beat of the heart.

pulse

NutritionA general term for lentils, beans and peas. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) reserves the term pulse for crops harvested solely for dry seed, thus excluding green beans and green peas, which the FAO calls vegetable crops; it also excludes crops primarily grown for oil extraction (e.g., soybeans and peanuts).

OncologySee Round of chemotherapy.

Physical examThe tactile sensation imparted by the flow of blood through a particular artery. The most commonly measured pulses are the radial pulse at the wrist and the dorsalis pedis over the foot.

1. A brief exposure to a radioisotope, in order to label a substance and follow its path through a metabolic labyrinth.

2. A discharge of electric current produced by radionuclides in an ionization chamber or scintillation counter.

pulse

(pŭls)

Palpable rhythmic expansion of an artery, produced by the increased volume of blood pushed or forced into the vessel by the contraction of the heart. A pulse may also at times occur in a vein or a vascular organ, such as the liver. Synonym(s): pulsus.

[L. pulsus]

pulse

(puls) [L. pulsus, beating]

1. Rate, rhythm, condition of arterial walls, compressibility and tension, and size and shape of the fluid wave of blood traveling through the arteries as a result of each heartbeat.

2. Rhythmical throbbing.

PULSES

3. Throbbing caused by the regular contraction and alternate expansion of an artery as the wave of blood passes through the vessel; the periodic thrust felt over arteries in time with the heartbeat. See: illustration

A tracing of this is called a sphygmogram and consists of a series of waves in which the upstroke is called the anacrotic limb, and the downstroke (on which is normally seen the dicrotic notch), the catacrotic limb.

The normal resting pulse in adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The resting pulse is faster, for example, in febrile patients, anemic or hypovolemic persons, persons in shock, and patients who have taken drugs that stimulate the heart, such as theophylline, caffeine, nicotine, or cocaine. It may be slower in well-trained athletes; in patients using beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other agents; and during sleep or deep relaxation.

Patient care

In patients complaining of chest pain, pulses should be assessed in at least two extremities (e.g., both radial arteries). A strong pulse on the right side with a weak one on the left may suggest an aortic dissection or a stenosis of the left subclavian artery. Young patients with high blood pressure should have pulses assessed simultaneously at the radial and femoral artery because a significant delay in the femoral pulse may suggest coarctation of the aorta. Patients with recent symptoms of stroke or claudication should have pulses checked at the carotid, radial, femoral, popliteal, and posterior tibial arteries, to see whether any palpable evidence of arterial insufficiency exists at any of these locations. If a decreased pulse is detected, further evaluation might include ultrasonography or assessments of the ankle brachial index. Patients who are lightheaded or dizzy or who notice palpitations may have detectable premature beats or other pulse irregularities (e.g., the irregularly irregular pulse of atrial fibrillation).

abdominal pulse

A palpable pulse felt between the xiphoid process and the navel. This is produced by the pulse of the abdominal aorta.

asymmetrical radial pulse

basal pulse

bigeminal pulse

bisferiens pulse

A pulse marked by two systolic peaks on the pulse waveform. It is characteristic of aortic regurgitation (with or without aortic stenosis) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

bounding pulse

A pulse that reaches a higher intensity than normal, then disappears quickly. Best detected when the arm is held aloft.

Synonym: collapsing pulse

brachial pulse

A pulse felt in the brachial artery.

See: Pulse: Brachial

capillary pulse

Visible inflow and outflow of blood from the nailbed. It is a finding in patients with aortic regurgitation when their fingernails or toenails are gently depressed by the examiner's finger. Synonym: Quincke's pulse

carotid pulse

A pulse felt in the carotid artery.

See: Pulse: Carotid

catacrotic pulse

A pulse showing one or more secondary waves on the descending limb of the main wave.

catadicrotic pulse

A pulse wave with two small notches on the descending portion.

central pulse

A pulse recorded near the origin of the carotid or subclavian arteries.

collapsing pulse

Corrigan's pulse

coupled pulse

dicrotic pulse

A pulse with a double beat, one heartbeat for two arterial pulsations, or a seemingly weak wave between the usual heartbeats. This weak wave should not be counted as a regular beat. It is indicative of low arterial tension and is noted in fevers.

dorsalis pedis pulse

A pulse felt over the dorsalis pedis artery of the foot.

See: Pulse: Dorsalis Pedis

entoptic pulse

Intermittent subjective sensations of light that accompany the heartbeat.

irregular pulse

irregularly irregular pulse

jugular pulse

Kussmaul's pulse

monocrotic pulse

A pulse in which the sphygmogram shows a simple ascending and descending uninterrupted line and no dicrotism.

nail pulse

A visible pulsation in the capillaries under the nails.

paradoxical pulse

A decrease in the strength of the pulse (and of systolic blood pressure) during inspiration, a condition that may be esp. prominent in severe asthma, cardiac tamponade, obstructive sleep apnea, croup, and other conditions that alter pressure relationships within the chest.

triphammer pulse

undulating pulse

unequal pulse

A pulse in which beats vary in force. Synonym: asymmetrical radial pulse

vagus pulse

A slow pulse resulting from parasympathetic influence on heart rate, mediated by the vagus nerve.

venous pulse

A pulse in a vein, esp. one of the large veins near the heart, such as the internal or external jugular. Normally it is undulating and scarcely palpable. In conditions such as tricuspid regurgitation, it is pronounced.

vermicular pulse

A small, frequent pulse with a wormlike feeling.

waterhammer pulse

A pulse with a powerful upstroke and then sudden disappearance; a hallmark of aortic regurgitation.

wiry pulse

pulse

The rhythmic expansion of an artery from the force of the heart beat. In health, the pulse is regular, moderately full and at a rate of between about 50 and 80 beats per minute.

pulse

the expansion of an artery as the left ventricle contracts (see BLOOD PRESSURE which can be detected where the artery is close to the body surface, such as the radial artery at the human wrist and the carotid artery in the neck.

pulse

the transmitted heart beat felt, or recorded by a sensor, from pulsation of an artery, commonly the radial artery at the wrist. pulse rate the heart rate in beats per minute, counted by feeling the pulse.

pulse

palpable rhythmical dilatation and contraction of an artery, reflecting pressure imposed by cardiac contraction, palpable where superficial arteries overlie bone; three pulses (dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial and peroneal) are palpable in the foot, reflecting arterial supply to the foot by three branches of the popliteal artery; difficult to palpate in oedematous feet; reduced/absent in peripheral vascular disease; enhanced ('bounding') with autonomic neuropathy, e.g. patients with diabetes (Table 1); palpation of foot and limb pulses is facilitated by prior location with a Doppler probe

dorsalis pedis pulse palpable at dorsum of foot, approximately two fingerwidths distal to proximal end of first intermetatarsal space (where perforating artery diverges from dorsal arcuate artery); absent in 5-10% of population

femoral pulse palpable in inguinal fossa, halfway along an imaginary line joining outer and inner margins of anterior aspect of the thigh

peroneal pulse palpable at lateroproximal area of dorsum of foot, approximately 2cm distal to anterior aspect of lateral malleolus

pulse

Rhythmic dilation of an artery, produced by increased volume of blood thrown into vessel by contraction of heart.

[L. pulsus]

pulse (pls) (puls),

n the rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries resulting from the surges of blood through the arteries. The pulse can be felt by the fingers in arteries that are close to the skin.

pulse, arterial,

n the pulsation of an artery produced by the rise and fall in blood pressure as the heart goes into systole and diastole and observed clinically by palpation of the radial artery. The pulse rate at birth is approximately 130 beats/min and diminishes to approximately 70 beats/min in the healthy adult. The range of normalcy is around 60 to 80 beats/min.

pulse, brachial

n the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the artery located at the inside of the arm at the elbow.

pulse, carotid

n the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the carotid arteries. The carotid pulse can be measured from palpation of the carotid artery on either side of the neck.

pulse

1. a rhythmic wave.

2. any leguminous seed used in animal feed or human food. Contain about 20% protein.

3. the beat of the heart as felt through the walls of arteries. What is felt is not the blood pulsing through the arteries but a shock wave, generated by the abrupt ejection of blood from the heart, that travels along the arteries. The arterial pulse wave can be measured by a sphygmograph. The resulting tracing shows ascending and descending limbs.

includes irregularity of timing and amplitude, large or small amplitude, waterhammer pulse, Corrigan's pulse, dropped pulse, pulse deficit, alternating pulse and many others.

alternating pulse

pulsus alternans; one with regular alteration of weak and strong beats without changes in cycle length.

pulse amplitude

indicative of arterial blood pressure; estimated on the difference of pressure exerted by the fingers to occlude and then reopen the arterial pulse.

anacrotic pulse

one in which the ascending limb of the tracing shows a transient drop in amplitude, or a notch.

anadicrotic pulse

one in which the ascending limb of the tracing shows two small additional waves or notches.

anatricrotic pulse

one in which the ascending limb of the tracing shows three small additional waves or notches.

arterial pulse

the wave of pressure generated by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. Although the size (amplitude) of the pulse depends on the volume ejected it is not the blood passing the finger that is palpated, it is only the pressure wave. The pulse is a good indicator of the heart's activity with respect to amplitude, rate and regularity. It may also provide information on the state of the vessel walls and the efficiency of the aortic semilunar valves. It may be palpated in the median, facial, femoral or coccygeal arteries, the preferred site varying with the species and the occasion.

atrial venous pulse

atriovenous pulse, a cervical pulse having an accentuated 'a' wave during atrial systole, owing to increased force of contraction of the right atrium; a characteristic of tricuspid stenosis.

B-B shot pulse

see water-hammer pulse (below).

bigeminal pulse

one in which two beats occur in rapid succession, the groups of two being separated by a longer interval, usually related to regularly occurring ventricular premature beats.

to study the movement of macromolecules, cells are incubated with a radiolabeled precursor (pulse) and then replaced with unlabeled precursor (chase). The label can be followed as it is incorporated into newly synthesized compounds and through different cellular compartments.

the difference between the apical pulse and the radial pulse. Obtained by counting apical beats as heard through a stethoscope over the heart and counting the arterial pulse at the same time. A characteristic of several arrhythmias.

dicrotic pulse

a pulse characterized by two peaks, the second peak occurring in diastole and being an exaggeration of the dicrotic wave.

pulse dosing

the administration of drugs, usually antibiotics or corticosteroids, in a single, large dose which might be repeated after an interval of days. Thought to have the advantage of high tissue levels and fewer of the undesirable side-effects associated with more frequent dosing.

dropped pulse

arrhythmic pulse.

femoral pulse

that which is located at the site where the femoral artery passes through the groin in the femoral triangle; the usual site for palpating the pulse in dogs and cats.

fetal pulse detector

an ultrasound detector based on the Doppler principle used to detect the presence of a living fetus in utero.

funic pulse

the arterial tide in the umbilical cord.

pulse generator

the power source for a cardiac pacemaker system, usually powered by a lithium battery. It supplies electrical impulses to the implanted electrodes. See also pacemaker.

hard pulse

one characterized by high tension.

jerky pulse

see water-hammer pulse (below).

jugular pulse

comprises the movements of the wall of the jugular vein in response to pressure changes in the right atrium. Much more visible if the vein is distended. A reflection of increased pressure in the right atrium or insufficiency of the right A-V valve. A small pulse is normal in most food animals. A large pulse which goes high up the neck when the head is in the normal position, and which is synchronous with the heart cycle and is systolic in time, indicates insufficiency of the right atrioventricular valve.

pulse monitor

a pulse detector which uses the Doppler principle.

paradoxical pulse

one that markedly decreases in amplitude during inspiration.

peripheral pulse

that palpable in the extremities, e.g. legs, neck and head; the usual sites for measuring the pulse rate.

pistol-shot pulse

one in which the arteries are subject to sudden distention and collapse.

pulse pressure

the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures.

radial pulse

that felt over the radial artery.

pulse rate

the number of pulsations per minute palpable in an artery, usually of a limb. The normal rates per minute for the common domestic animal species are: horses, 30 to 40; young horses up to one year of age, 70 to 80; cattle, 60 to 80; young calves, 100 to 120; sheep and goats, 70 to 120; pigs (heart rate), 60 to 70; dogs, 100 to 130; cats, 110 to 140; adult fowls 250 to 300.

one in which the artery is suddenly and markedly distended and relaxed. Characteristic of patent ductus arteriosus. Called also Corrigan's, jerky and B-B shot pulse.

wiry pulse

a small, tense pulse.

Patient discussion about pulse

Q. It is very amazing to me. How did he diagnose the illness by just listening to ones’ pulse? I’m Zakary, 36 years old. Last week I had the symptoms of fever, vomiting and head ache. I get infection most of the time may be due to poor immunity. This time I went to a Chinese doctor who is near to my place. He just touches my pulse and for a minute he starts to listening it, after that he diagnoses my sickness and prescribe Chinese herbal. I took the meds properly and I was completely cured. Before that I don’t have any experience with Chinese herb. It is very amazing to me. How did he diagnose the illness by just listening to ones’ pulse?

A. Hello Zakary, In traditional Chinese medicine, reading the pulse is a common diagnostic system. I know that a good Chinese doctor can diagnose by feeling the patient pulse and looking at their tongue. I am treating my entire problem only with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I no longer had allergies. I am satisfied user of Chinese meds.

Q. my wife feels weak. her pulse is only 45. What should we do

A. Is her pulse always that low? Is it regular? Does she have periods of rapid pulse? Is she sensitive to cold weather (e.g. wearing warm clothes when others don't)? Has she gained weight recently?Has her hair changed? Does she have any heart diseases? Diabetes?

The combination of slow pulse and weakness in a woman (what's her age?) may suggests hypothyroidism. In this case, than she needs to see a doctor in order to diagnose and treat this condition.You ma read more about it here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000353.htmhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/imagepages/18033.htm

Q. Would anybody be interested in a workshop in holistic pulsing. Benefits are wide spread for many conditions Holistic pulsing is a simple technique that has many benefits for a wide variety of problems. What is nice about the technique
is that it is easy and fast to learn. I have helped people with headaches, back problems, breathing problems, assisted in relieving pain for people with severe cancer etc. Would like to put together some workshops for anybody interested in learning. Good for nurses, bodywork people and any lay person that wants to benefit family and friends. You can look it up on the internet or contact me with any questions. Etan

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